If you do not follow Melissa Smrekar on Instagram you need to stop what you are doing and remedy that immediately. Melissa is wicked smart, very wise, decisive, has an incredible sense of self, oh, and is absolutely hilarious. She will tell you what she thinks the second you ask. I adore her. I adore following her and her recent post upon returning back to Dallas from Paris gave me pause. I love when someone shares something that makes me think, take notice of myself, and changes the course of my path ... and Melissa's post did just that.
Her subject matter was on sustainable fashion and purchasing that vs fast fashion which as she calls it is "disposable fast-fashion pieces that are trend-oriented and bad for the planet". I can tell you upon reading this I was immediately struck with so many thoughts. As I have gotten older I have noticed that I gravitate towards an expensive purchase vs many small ones as it is the more expensive and well made piece that will be timeless and lasting for me. I will admit to sharing more fast fashion with you and I will be taking notice to make wiser choices for the blog and to share with you as it is not my wish to promote anything that isn't good for me, the planet, and definitely not for you. It will take some thought ... but I will work on it. It just seems like the right thing to do. I am known for buying a pair of jeans and wearing them every single day and then sadly sharing with you that they are old and sold out, but when I find something that fits my body and I like to wear I will wear it until the seams come undone.
So what is sustainable? The definition of the word means "conserving an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources", and in other words means buying something that is well made and will last and be sold to another once you are done wearing it. This is in comparison to purchasing trendy fast fashion which is cheaper, falls apart quicker, and the second the trend is gone you wish to discard it. For me that would mean big box stores and buying things I know are trendy vs classic pieces I am drawn to. It also means I spend a bit more but that is an investment in what I am wearing and keeping vs things I tend to resell and donate after a few seasons.
I saw her post being shared a bit online and in groups on Facebook (all positive comments) and while they were being shared a lot of questions were asked, most of which being, "where can I buy and sell my items?" This is a topic I can definitely help others with as it has become a focus of mine in the last five years.
So, let's start with the biggest question, where to start when buying sustainable clothing? I would say with the basics. Jeans are a bit of a wear until you cannot anymore since they get more washing, so let's start with sweaters, dresses, shoes, accessories, and jackets. The largest thing for some of us about sustainable fashion is the price tag, you pay more for well made timeless pieces. But, they also are the pieces that will end up in resale for you to catch at a lesser price point. Where to shop? I shop at The Real Real, Thredup, eBay, your local resale shops, and any seasonal resale sales that happen locally for you. It is also the best way to unload items in good condition that you have decided do not flatter you or may have been a bad idea in the first place. In the last year I have sold to both The Real Real and Thredup and purchased from both along with Ebay and some local shops. My favorite sell was a large bag I sent to Thredup that turned into a large credit which my girl turned into Lulu Lemon for herself since she wears it daily. It was a win, win for both of us.
Locally we have some great resale shops, mostly high end, that are definitely worth selling to and shopping from if you are local. I would highly recommend you check out Labels, which also sells online, as they have a number of shops located on the same street. I have purchased many things over the years from Labels including Hermes and Gucci scarves, shoes, accessories, and a great skirt I love. Another great option would be Alexis Suitcase which also sells online. I can tell you I bought my first Louis Vuitton bag in the store at Lenox and since then have only purchased from a resale shop or estate sale. You can find amazing things in great condition with some research and patience. If you are looking for children's clothes you can shop both local resale shops and consignment sales. If you volunteer they will allow you early shopping and that is where the goods are found. I did this for years and usually my sales and purchases were close so I was getting new to me clothes for about the same price as the ones I was selling. My favorite children's resale shop is Sweet Repeats on Miami Circle. It is filled with amazing things!
Let's talk about what I have bought in the last two years from the sources I have listed above. From The Real Real I have purchased three pairs of Stubbs & Wooten (all almost brand new), a pair of Golden Goose sneakers, and a pair of Prada sunglasses. From Thredup I have purchased some darling J.Crew items, a stylist box (these are amazing), and some ballet flats I missed out on when they were sold in the store the first time. From eBay I have purchased a small Louis Vuitton card wallet (for smaller purses), two pairs of Stubbs, and number of Hermes scarves. If you are patient and do your research you can find things for half the retail price if not more. One item I paid extra for ... but I really wanted those Staffordshire Stubbs in my size and the seller was being evasive.
One of the best things about thought provoking conversations is how well they change us moving forward. I hope the next time I am looking at a cheaper dress or pair of shoes I remember that I have something at home that will do perfectly that might need to be styled differently to make it feel new and fun again. Maybe that is a perfect blog series in the making, I will write that down and get back to you. I can share this ... finding what you are looking for as a resale item in near perfect condition is the best feeling. One, you are saving money, and two, you are giving something amazing a new life. 💗
Photo includes my vintage Louis Vuitton and new (but sustainable) Sarah Flint flats
I must say that thredup was a complete disappointment in the selling department.After accepting all my beautiful items I was informed my payout would be over $90 but as things began to sell l was making only pennies on an item and not less than a month or so I was asked if i wanted my items recycled or returned for a small fee.I had already paid to have some items returned that they didn't accept and now after only a short time on the market they are already removing my items for sale! NEVER again for me! I will sell things myself on FBMP! Glad you had luck though!
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